If you are coming from or have recently visited Africa, South America or an area infected with Yellow Fever within five days prior to your arrival in India, proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required.

Electricity

The voltage in India is 230 volts. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept 230 Volts. Wall sockets accept plugs with two or three round pins. Should you wish to use appliances of 110 volts, most Conference Hotels will provide adapters on request but it may be useful to carry your own for convenience. Most laptops have adapters that accept 110-240 volts, but will still need plugs of the type shown below.

Typical Indian 3-Pin and 2-Pin plugs

Local Time

Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours 30 mins ahead of GMT.

Smoking Policy

All public areas are non-smoking except for specifically labelled smoking areas.

Alcohol Consumption

As a result of current legislation in the Indian states, it is generally illegal to serve alcohol in public places after 11:00 p.m. (23:00 hrs.). Therefore, as a general rule, kindly note that Absolutely No Alcoholic Beverages can be available at any bar (including those in hotels) after this cut-off time. Individuals who wish to continue to partake of alcoholic beverages after 11:00 p.m. (23:00 hrs.) may only do so via room service orders within hotels.

Import and Export Regulations

You may bring with you into India articles and gadgets for personal use â€“ 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250 gms of tobacco, and liquor and wines up to 2 litres. In case of expensive equipment which you will take back with you, it is recommended that on arrival, you declare to Customs officials your intention to take it back with you.

On your return you may take back, as accompanied baggage, souvenirs, including Indian silk, wool, handicrafts etc. without any limit, and gold and silver jewellery and handicrafts up to a value of Indian Rupees 100,000. Please note that the export of antiques and art objects more than 100 years old is restricted and that the export of wildlife products is prohibited.

Currency

The currency in India is the Rupee, which is in paper notes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2,000. We suggest that you exchange your currency only at registered Exchange counters located at the airport, hotels & at many other points in the city. They will issue a certificate of exchange which is required at the time of re-conversion of any unused currency. Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999, it is an offence to exchange foreign currency other than through authorised money changers or banks. All major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. There are 24 hour ATM counters spread all over the city. Banks are usually open from Monday to Saturday, and are closed on Sundays.

Insurance and Liability

English is widely spoken in Delhi and the rest of the country, except in rural areas. Many Indian languages are also spoken.

Language

The Organizers do not take responsibility for any individual, medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are advised to secure their own insurance policies before departure from their countries, as required.

While every attempt is made to ensure efficient, trouble-free hospitality, including hotel accommodation, sightseeing and tours, participants are advised that no liability accrues to the Organizers in the event of any necessary modifications, including change in itineraries for tours due to delays or cancellations of flights/other exigencies beyond the Organizers' control.

Travel & Visa Information

Visa

Guidelines to obtain Indian Visa

All foreign nationals intending to participate in the Congress/ meeting, except those of Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives, are required to obtain an Indian VISA. There is no provision for ‘VISA on Arrival’ in India. No fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. VISA can be applied for in person or by post at the High commission/Embassy based in the country from where the participant intends to depart for India. VISA application form is available at the office of the Indian Embassy in the capital and other major cities of the country of your residence. All NRIs/PIOs, including children (who don't possess OCI or PIO card) need to apply for VISA in separate VISA forms. All the participants are advised to apply for either Tourist VISA or ‘Conference VISA only. The required documents are as mentioned below:

Tourist Visa:

Passport valid for a minimum of 190 days with at least two blank pages

Correct visa fee.

Two recent identical passport-size photographs

Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled)

Conference Visa:

Duly completed and signed application form

Original passport valid for at least 6 months

VISA fee

Two passport size photographs

Supporting documents such as invitation letter sent by organizing body, letters of clearance from The Nodal Ministry, The Ministry of Home Affairs, The Ministry of External affairs, and The State Government, letter from the organization in the participant’s country which nominated the applicant to attend the conference, proof of residential address and, copy of birth certificate.

The VISA application, along with the enclosures mentioned above, must be submitted directly to the Embassy/High commission of country/locality.